ACS_ChemStudentSafety_broch2010:4x9 brochure
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www.acs.org
DISCLAIMER
Doing Things
This guide contains information and guidelines that are believed to be reliable regarding the safe use
SAFELY
and handling of chemicals in laboratories and student classrooms. The American Chemical Society (ACS), however, does not purport, in this guide or in
is not just the right way to work–it’s the only way!
any other publication, to specify minimum safety or legal standards or to address all of the compliance requirements, risks, or safety problems associated with the handling of hazardous chemicals, their use,
Safety For Introductory Chemistry Students
or the methods prescribed for using them in laboratories or classrooms. This guide is intended to serve only as a beginning point for information and should not be construed as containing all the necessary compliance, safety, or warning information, nor should it be construed as representing the policy of ACS. No warranty, guarantee, or representation is made by ACS as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information and guidelines contained herein, and ACS assumes no liability or responsibility in connection therewith. It is the responsibility of the users of this guide to consult and comply with pertinent local, state, and federal laws, regulations, and standards with respect to the handling of chemicals. Users of this guide should consult with the institution’s legal counsel or other professional advisers about the applicable laws, safety issues, and compliance issues for storing chemicals and the methods for using the chemicals in classrooms and laboratories.
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American Chemical Society
ACS_ChemStudentSafety_broch2010:4x9 brochure
6/7/10
THE CHEMISTRY LABORATORY INCLUDES HAZARDS AND RISKS! Scientists understand the risks involved in the laboratory and have established a set of laboratory safety practices. This guide summarizes the safety rules that scientists follow in the laboratory. PERSONAL PROTECTION I Wear
eye protection (chemical safety goggles)! This applies at all times to all persons in the laboratory—even guests. Contact lenses worn with goggles are acceptable, but safety glasses and prescription safety glasses without goggles do not provide adequate protection. Increase the degree of protection (use face shields, laboratory hoods, etc.) when the hazards increase. I Take care not to ingest anything in the laboratory! Food, gum, beverages, and tobacco products are never allowed in the laboratory. I Do not apply cosmetics in the laboratory. I Never pipet by mouth! I Clothing should protect you from accidental spills and splashes. Wear clothing you can remove easily in case of accident. Clothes should cover the body from the neck to at least the knees. I Tie back long hair and remove jewelry before entering the laboratory. I Wear practical shoes. Shoes with high heels, open toes, or made of woven materials are not allowed in the laboratory. Sandals and flip-flops are not appropriate! I Don’t use any distracting electronic devices while in laboratory. I Nonflammable, nonporous lab aprons afford excellent protection. Always remove lab aprons or coats before leaving the laboratory. I You will often need to wear gloves to avoid skin contact with hazardous materials. I Always, even after wearing gloves, wash your hands with soap and water before leaving the lab!
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LABORATORY PROTOCOL
HOUSEKEEPING
I Your
I You
responsibility to prevent accidents in the laboratory extends to others in addition to yourself. The laboratory experience should be enjoyable but is serious; it is not a time for play. Be aware of what is happening around you and report any questionable behavior. I Always plan laboratory work before executing it. Providing for safety and avoiding potential accidents are important elements of the plan. You should understand the hazards associated with the chemicals involved before you start the experiment. If you are unsure about the hazards and the protection that you need, Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs), which provide detailed information, are available from your instructor, or online. I Use a safety shield when working with highly reactive chemicals and mixtures. I Flames are never allowed when flammable gases or liquids are in use. I Always alert others before lighting a flame! I Know where to find and how to use all emergency equipment (such as fire extinguishers, eye washes, and safety showers) in the laboratory. I Always assemble laboratory apparatus away from the edge of the laboratory bench. I Always check your glassware and discard any with chips, breaks, or obvious flaws. I When using a laboratory hood, set the equipment and chemicals back at least 15 centimeters from the hood. I Be certain that you understand the proper use and operation of all laboratory equipment. I Never work in the laboratory alone. I Never leave experiments unattended unless you take special precautions to avoid accidents and you notify the responsible individuals. I Use laboratory hoods for all operations in which toxic, corrosive, irritating, or flammable chemicals are involved. Be certain that the hood is operating properly prior to execution of your work! I Never put your face inside the laboratory hood. I Never perform unauthorized experiments or deviate from the experimental plan, especially do not scale up the experiment. Report unauthorized experiments to the instructor. I Report all injuries to the instructor.
are responsible for ensuring that a clean workspace is maintained both in your own working area and in the common working areas. The laboratory environment should be at least as clean and orderly when you finish your work as when you began. I Place broken glassware in the proper receptacles. Do not allow it to accumulate on the bench top. I Keep laboratory benches free of spilled chemicals. Clean up spills immediately as directed by your instructor. I Avoid physical hazards by keeping drawers and cabinets closed. I Prevent tripping and contamination hazards— never place materials on the floor. I Always clean glassware before returning it to storage. Do not allow dirty glassware to accumulate. I Follow your instructor’s directions for disposal of chemicals. If you don’t know, ask! Improper disposal results in possible personal hazard or environmental contamination. I Contaminated wastepaper must be handled separately from normal wastepaper. This guide briefly reviews the major principles that guide scientists in performing their laboratory work safely. The American Chemical Society publication Safety in Academic Chemistry Laboratories (http:// chemistry.org/committees/ccs) provides more detailed information both about these topics and about managing the hazards of specialized operations.
